Intense, violent, multiplayer combat competition returns to the PC -- and it is Unreal. This first full sequel to the lauded 1998 original Unreal Tournament is designed to deliver the defining Unreal style of first-person multiplayer combat at an unprecedented level of graphical detail and audio quality. Futuristic gladiators strive ferociously to eliminate their opponents with intelligent tactics and massively powerful weaponry. As in the original UT, single players hone skills as they work their way up a ladder of challenges against computer controlled 'bots, but the primary focus of the game is online competition with other human contestants.

The game's background story is set over a century after the Liandri Mining Corporation tournaments of the original game were first established. A powerful alien race has invaded our corner of the universe, murdering millions and reducing humanity to slavery. Though initially disturbed by the unpredictability of the tournaments, the alien Empire soon realized the benefits of providing human slaves with an outlet for their more carnal tendencies and desires. The Empire now controls the tournament, from above and within. Strange alien warriors join human contenders in the gladiator battles, though at greater risk, for their nature prevents the chance for resurrection available to human competitors. The violent competition continues as all of humanity waits, holding on to the desperate hope that a hero will one day rise to battle through the Emperor's impossible contests and win true freedom for all.

Unreal Tournament 2003 offers play as one of 35 warrior characters of six different races. Characters can now enjoy class-specific special moves and defined roles in squad-based games. Battles take place on 30 arena maps, set on the most desolate and foreboding planets in the known galaxy. Many favorite weapons from the original game return, along with several brand new implements of violence. An improved physics model and many new animations bring variety to character death effects. Unreal Tournament 2003 also introduces a wholly new element to gameplay: adrenaline. The adrenaline power-up is intended to add a fresh layer of chaos to the combat, as affected characters are able to perform enhanced special moves.